Spatial interaction of methylene blue stained soil pores

In this paper, we compare different types of patterns that emerge when applying methylene blue dye as a tracer on soils to detect preferential flow paths as a result of large cracks. Patterns on channels, vughs and cracks are analyzed with the J-function and with indicator variograms. By means of a combined analysis, we obtained a better understanding of the patterns as well as some clear indications for precision agriculture management. The study is illustrated with methylene blue patterns obtained at two locations at four succeeding depths in the Netherlands.